Meet a Scientist Monday #9: Sean Casey

For some reason I have a lot of astronomer friends. Maybe because I like that their personalities are a mix of romanticism (probably coming from being in remote, dark places for long stretches of time) with a hardcore love of science that is rarely seen in other sciences. Today’s guest on MSM is Dr. Sean Casey and he is one of those friends that certainly fits the personality exactly. From observing at CARA in Antarctica to flying high with the Kupier Airborne Observatory he has certainly seen his share of dark and deserted places.

I have a PhD in Astrophysics (University of Chicago) and dual MBAs (Berkeley Haas and Columbia Schools of Business).

What do you like best about your job?

The freedom to pursue my own interests.

The least?

Not much.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a scientist?

A real scientist can’t imagine doing anything else.

Are your parents scientists? If yes, in what field? If not, what

did/do they do?

My family comes from the law and investment banking fields.

As a child, did you know you wanted to be a scientist?

Yes – but I only knew I wanted to be a Physicist in High School.

Do you have any advice for keeping kids interested in science?

Advice – focus on reading, writing, and arithmetic. Read as much as possible, write as much as possible, and learn as much math as soon as possible. Also, work on hardware projects – build things and be creative. Learn to let your creativity grow – paint, compose music or poems, dance and sing. Learn self assurance and develop self confidence.

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in science?

The majesty of astronomy and astrophysics. It’s a very big world out there and we see only a very small part of it.

What are your hobbies?

Business, music, kick boxing.

Is there any kind of science you don’t like?

Pseudo-science. Science starts with Sir Francis Bacon and the scientific method. Science makes predictions that can be observed. Theories that don’t make observational predictions are not science (IMHO).

Where do you go or what do you do for inspiration?

I go for walks by the beach or bike rides. I also get inspiration while sitting on airplanes – but sometimes I wonder if that isn’t a mild form of hypoxia.